Illegal Art is a collaborative of artists whose goal is to create
interactive public art to inspire self-reflection, thought and human
connection.

One of the projects of Illegal Art is "Suggestion Box."

In this project, participants carried around a white box with the word
"Suggestion" emblazoned on each side, asking passers-by to contribute
suggestions without any parameters or restrictions.

Armed with clip boards and sharpie pens, the team from Illegal Art
collected suggestions from citizens of 5 of New York's buroughs.

The responses were wide-ranging, from the serious like "Abolish the
death penalty in the USA" to the less than serious like "People should
not have dogs that look like themselves." Their soon to be published
book which contains hundreds of these entries from the suggestion box
will surely become a snapshot of a time and place.

This art project of "Suggestion Box" inspired a similar project here at
Hermann
Hill.

In the beginning there was the oak box.......
The box was attached to the wall and we asked our guests to fill it with their
suggestions.

A suggestion about Anything,,,

and they'd reply ....

writing or printing thoughts and ideas on yellow post it notes....

Anything at all.

Suggestions by turns hilarious, cryptic, heartwarming, profound....an oak poling
machine of sorts, filled with musings on all sorts of topics. If you were
sitting on the Hermann Hill terrace and could put a bubble with one sentence
over everyone's head representing what they were thinking or feeling, this is
what you'd come up with....kooky ideas, opinions, exhortations from the
ridiculous to the sublime along with some heartfelt advice.

And so, for that's where this newsletter story begins, people stopped to share
their suggestions or advice as they passed by the oak box at
Hermann Hill. What
makes a project like this so interesting is, it gives you a glimpse into the
minds of strangers, and, no pun intended, pulls you out of your own box. It
opens your mind to things you might not have ever even considered, opening a
path to new directions and new beginnings and what better topic to begin the the
New Year 2007

From
Hermann Hill's Oak Box Suggestions:

Learn Something New

Stop by Hermann Missouri's historic site at
Deutschheimand learn a bit about
the early German immigrants from crafts to gardening practices. Visit
area
wineries, tour
Hermann gardens, or learn about the history of the grape industry
in Missouri while sampling Pinot Noir and Vignolles. Pick something you have
never done before and make sure this is the year you do it, whether its learning
something about German cooking, taking fly fishing lessons or simply learning to
relax.

Appreciate your Surroundings:

Few things calm and inspire more than being in the presence of natural
beauty. Our
three mile walk can be restorative.
Expansive views, river bluffs and rocky outcroppings are some of the things
you'll enjoy at both Hermann Hill and Hermann Hill
Village.

Every Man Should Learn to Stop and Ask Directions

North, South, East and West and all points in between, this area of Missouri
has it all. Sometimes finding the unexpected can be the most memorable part
of a vacation and our weather vane (and our staff) can point you to area
art
galleries, interesting
restaurants and
historic sites. Overlooking historic
Hermann, Missouri just an hour from St. Louis, Hermann Hill Vineyard & Inn
is for guests who like to travel first class.
Availability for both
properties is just a click away.

It's been said that sometimes time isn't of the essence, it is the essence.
Blue skies, sunny days, a view from a hilltop, time with a favorite person.
For example, the Village is perfect for couples seeking total and complete
privacy, an excellent choice for groups of friends who want to share a
cottage, or couples traveling with children. For a detailed comparison of
Hermann Hill and Hermann Hill Village, please
click here. All rooms now
include chenille bath robes, towel warmers, and flower petal soaps to
accompany our whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, and personal balconies. That's
the bright side, the finest in comfort and quality.

We at Hermann Hill believe that New Year's Day is about making a fresh
start. Instead of resolving to give up something, how about making a
commitment this year to "Get More" out of life? At
Hermann Hill we take
pride in offering resources that help people slow down, find balance, and
enjoy good things.

There are some "new things" going on at Hermann Hill with our Wedding Chapel
in progress as we build towards the future and so, as we begin this New Year
2007 may we make a suggestion?

Come visit Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn and (to paraphrase a suggestions
from the oak box)